There are many ways to strengthen your bond as a couple, and some of them may surprise you. Laughing together, for example, can naturally boost your immune system and release feel-good endorphins.

Other important ways to bond include maintaining open communication, learning to deal with conflicts, and trying new things together. By implementing some of these relationship tips, you can increase your connection and grow your love.

1. Spend Quality Time Together

A couple that speaks the love language of quality time will regularly prioritize spending time together, even if it means canceling other plans. This ensures that your partner feels like they are loved and cared for, as well as strengthens the overall connection between you.

This can include activities such as cooking or going for a walk, but it also includes uninterrupted one-on-one time. It’s important to remove any distractions and give your partner your undivided attention during this time, so make sure to put your phone down and focus on them.

During this time, you can also use this opportunity to communicate. Ask them about their day and listen actively to them. This will help them feel that their thoughts and feelings are valued, and it will also show them that you’re interested in what they have to say.

It’s also worth remembering that sometimes your actions can speak louder than words, such as cuddling or holding hands. This is another way to strengthen your bond with your partner, and can be especially powerful for people whose primary love language is physical affection.

2. Communicate Regularly

A regular communication routine is one of the best ways to ensure your relationship stays strong. This could be a set time to talk every night, a regular date night or even an hour at the end of each day that you dedicate solely to communication.

During this time, allow one partner to speak freely about any topic of their choice. They can talk about anything that is bothering them, including work stressors or family issues. The other partner can listen without rebuttal for about 20 minutes. This is a great way to relieve stress for both partners.

Another great communication exercise is to ask your partner open-ended questions that don’t prompt a yes or no answer. Try to get to know your partner better by talking about their hopes, dreams, fears and values. Use “I feel” statements when expressing your feelings, as opposed to “you are”. This shows that you’re genuinely listening and care about what they have to say. It’s also a great way to avoid conflict when your partner feels they are being misunderstood or hurt by what you’re saying.

3. Learn to Deal With Conflicts

Having arguments is normal in relationships, but the way you approach them can be what makes or breaks your relationship. In healthy couples, disagreements and arguments are an opportunity to learn about your partner and grow closer. However, if they are handled in an unhealthy manner, it can lead to resentment and breakups.

Arguments should be kept short and focused on the topic at hand. If a conflict is getting heated, try using humor to derail the argument. You could say something like, “I want to win this argument so badly I’m thinking of casting myself as William Shatner or Christopher Walken in the next episode of Star Wars!”

Avoid blaming your partner for their actions or making generalizations such as, “You always do that” or “you never listen to me.” These types of attacks are not helpful and can damage your bond. If necessary, seek help from a counselor or marriage specialist to identify the source of your problems and work toward a resolution. They may also be able to provide guidance on how to improve your communication skills during difficult times.

4. Be Open With Your Love

One of the best ways to strengthen your bond is to be open with your love. This means being honest about your feelings and thoughts, and letting your partner know what’s going on in your life. This can be difficult for some people, but it’s important to let your partner in, so they can understand and support you.

It’s also important to be open with your love by talking about things that interest you both. Whether it’s a hobby you enjoy or an interesting story about your day, sharing these things with each other can help strengthen your connection. It can also be helpful to discuss the things you admire about your partner, so you can remind them how special they are.

Finally, being open with your love can also mean being able to disagree with each other. Healthy arguments are a necessary part of any relationship, and they can be a great way to deepen your bond. If you can learn to communicate respectfully and compromise, you’ll have a strong and lasting relationship.

5. Try New Things

Trying new things together can create shared experiences that bring you closer as a couple. This can include anything from a new hobby to traveling to a different country.

For example, taking a dance class together can be a fun and romantic way to get out of your comfort zone. It can also help you learn a new skill that will make you feel accomplished together. Similarly, trying a new restaurant or cuisine can be an exciting adventure that will allow you to explore your city together.

These types of activities can also help you build trust with your partner by forcing you to rely on each other. Having a strong bond with your partner can help you weather future conflict and will give you a sense of security in your relationship.

Besides physical touch, try to make emotional touching a regular part of your routine as well. You can do this by making it a point to respond to your partner’s emotional calls throughout the day. It can be as simple as a hug or as elaborate as a romantic date.